DMEF Announces Laurie Spar's Retirement

March 16, 2007 — The Direct Marketing Educational Foundation (DMEF) has announced the retirement of Laurie J. Spar, vice president & general manager, effective March 30, 2007. Spar, the DMEF’s first full-time employee, joined the Foundation in 1977.

“After 30 years of being the constant and consistent backbone of the Foundation, Laurie has decided to retire at the end of the month and begin a whole new chapter in her life,” said Allen Dyon, DMEF chairman and chief marketing officer of DMRA. “Laurie has been critical to the growth and steadfastness of the DMEF over the years, and she will be sorely missed by industry, educators, and students alike.”

“I am happy and proud to have been a part of the growth of our business, the Direct Marketing Association, the Educational Foundation, and direct marketing education in American universities,” said Spar. “I will sincerely miss the many colleagues and friends I have met over the years.”

Commenting on Spar’s retirement, DMEF President Terri L. Bartlett said, “Laurie leaves a legacy of unmatched service to this organization, and will leave some very hard shoes to fill. We join hundreds — if not thousands — throughout the world of direct marketing in wishing Laurie all of the best as she begins the next, exciting stage of her life.”

According to Bartlett, the DMEF is searching to fill the position of vice president of programming, and a replacement is expected by the summer. During the transition, Bartlett said, current staff and consultants will manage DMEF programs and activities.

About the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation (DMEF)

The DMEF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational foundation supported entirely by tax-deductible contributions from business leaders and direct marketing companies. Solely committed to fostering and enhancing direct marketing courses and curricula on college campuses and graduate business schools across America, DMEF provides a range of results-driven educational programs in direct and interactive marketing, helps students discover exciting career opportunities, and disseminates information about the economic value of direct marketing. The Foundation also provides teaching and research resources to educators. For additional information, please visit www.the-dmef.org.

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